Who all uses a hook blade in a utility knife to make the opening cuts on critters?

I started using one last season and I've been kicking myself ever since for not trying it sooner. I used it on coon, mink, fox, beaver, possum, and coyotes. I can't believe how well or how easy it works. It stays sharp too after over 200 critters I'm still using the same blade, although I turned it around after 150 or so. If you guys haven't tried it, you should.

Well then, how about catfish skining pliers for pulling the fur once you have opened it up? How many of yall do that? While we are kicking ourselfs, I been kicking myself for not thinking of it sooner. It sure save the fingers.

I never saw anyone use the pliers before me. I was working for my fur buyer last year and skinned 162 otter in a weekend. My fingers quite working about #40 and I could no long feel them at #60. I learned real fast, when production skinning, use every thing in your tool bag to work smarter not harder.

Hunt with Dogs, catfish skinning pliars are used to grab and pull the slippery skin on catfish. They work good on other things too. they let you get a grip on the slippery stuff and you can pick a pair up at walmart i think.

I use them too. I ain't sure if I like to do the opening cut with it or not though. I seemto cut too deep with it. I use it to cut around the ankles and it works great for splitting tails. I find that you have to back the blade out in the oppesite direction of the cut a few times in the tail cut. It fills up with fur and doesn'tcut too well, especially on reds.

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When they come to take your guns, give em your bullets first.

I use a hook blade when opening beaver, it saves a couple of minutes for sure, you have to be a little careful around the castors though.

I used them on fox and coyote too, I havn't tried the pliers though. I also use a large long handled pruner for lopping beaver and other feet off. I quickly ring them with a very sharp knife, then lopp them off.

Now I need a speed tool for fleshing beavers, ever try a grizzle getter?

I use those hook blades to skin just about everything. I also use skinning pliers but note that not all skinning pliers are created equal. Spend the couple extra bucks and get the heavy duty stainless steel ones. You'll be glad you did.